Uploaded on 2015-12-14 by AnaVidal

San Salvador is a very dense city that has been growing massively without a plan for the past 50 years, to the point of becoming a metropolitan area composed of 14 conurbanized cities. It is located in a valley surrounded by mountains, volcanoes, small rivers and a lake. UHI effect can be felt most significantly downtown, where office buildings predominate, as much as heavy traffic. Though it is still not "impossible" to be outside, it is difficult to be comfortable because of the smoke from cars and other means of transportation. Also, the temperatures tend to be higher, making it comfortable being only in air conditioned areas. ![Downtown, City of San Salvador][1] That, compared to suburban an rural areas, which tend to have lower pleasant temperatures. Note the difference between both pictures, in the one of the urban area you can see the smog, while in the one below you, if you see carefully, you can see fog, which indicates a more humid, cool temperature. ![Rural area of the metropolitan city of San Salvador][2] Which are the measures you would propose? I would propose a better control of urban growth, as well as recycling urban spaces for green areas, such as parks and places for the growth of trees and other vegetation, which can help control temperatures, humidity and smog pollution. The previous would require a system in which people can become aware of the control mechanisms, as well as the people to inforce them, also a fine system. Is UHI effect concerning policy making in your area? It is not. Though I know that there is a monitoring system installed downtown, which is used for monitoring pollution, there is no temperature measuring and proper use of the information provided by the system. [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1450136969792746.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14501370805730903.jpg